How To Decorate With Antlers

One comment I get again and again pertains to how I use antlers as decor in my home. The comment often refers to a husband who hunts and a wife who has no idea what to do with all of his antlers! So today I’m going to share with you how to decorate with antlers.

Types of Antler Mounts

European Mount

One of the most popular and natural-looking options is the European mount. This style displays the cleaned skull with the antlers still attached, typically bleached white for a crisp, clean appearance. European mounts can be hung directly on the wall or attached to a wooden plaque for a more finished look.

Skull Cap Mount

Another classic option is the skull cap mount, also known as an antler plaque mount. This style uses just the antlers and a small portion of the skull (the “cap”), which is usually covered in fabric or leather. The mount is then attached to a wooden plaque, often in a shield, oval, or more decorative shape.

Sheds

I’m not even sure I would consider this a type of mount, as I like to display sheds tucked into my decor versus mounted. However, I have commonly seen sheds mounted on a board and used as hooks for towels or coats.

Types of Antlers

Deer Antlers (Whitetail & Mule Deer)

Deer antlers are by far the most commonly used in decorating, and for good reason. I live in the midwest and everyone hunts! Whitetail deer antlers tend to be more compact and symmetrical, making them great for smaller spaces or shelf styling. Mule deer antlers, on the other hand, are often wider with forked tines, giving them a more rugged, wild look.

Roe Deer Antlers

Roe deer antlers are small, slender, and beautifully symmetrical, making them a favorite in vintage and European-style decor. They’re especially popular mounted on small wooden plaques—often oval or shield-shaped—and grouped in collections on gallery walls.

Fallow Deer Antlers

Fallow deer antlers are less common in the U.S. The first sheds I had of these I thought were from a young moose! Picture a white tail deer antler that is flatter and webbed, like your hand.

Moose Antlers

Moose antlers are truly one-of-a-kind. Instead of the typical branch-like structure of deer and elk, moose antlers are broad and paddle-shaped, almost like giant fans.

Elk Antlers

Much larger than deer antlers, elk antlers have an elegant, sweeping curve that makes them a natural focal point in any room.

Antelope and Ram Horns

Although not technically antlers (since they’re permanent and not shed each year), antelope and ram horns are often used in the same kind of decor. Their curled or spiraled shape brings a completely different look—more sculptural and symmetrical.

What to do with Antlers

Once you’ve chosen the type of antlers you want to decorate with, the fun part begins—figuring out how to style them in your space! Whether you’re working with mounted antlers, loose sheds, or decorative faux versions, there are tons of creative ways to incorporate them into your home. Here are a few favorite ideas:

Hang Them

One of the simplest and most impactful ways to display antlers is to hang them directly on the wall.

Gallery Wall

A gallery wall made up primarily of mounted antlers is a striking way to create visual impact—especially if you have a collection of similar mounts like roe deer, skull caps, or small European mounts. You can arrange them in a grid for a clean, classic look, or mix sizes and plaque shapes for a more organic, eclectic feel. For added interest, tuck in a few antique pieces like a mirror or piece of art. Keeping the overall color palette neutral (woods, whites, natural tones) will let the texture and shape of the antlers take center stage.

Above Another Piece

Another favorite styling trick is to hang a set of antlers above another wall-mounted piece—like a mirror, a framed piece of art, or even a vintage sign. This creates a layered, dimensional look and gives the display a sense of height and importance. It’s a great way to make smaller pieces of art feel more substantial or to bring a little natural texture into a more formal arrangement. Just make sure the scale works—the antlers should feel like a crown or accent, not overwhelm the piece below. This technique also works beautifully above features in your home. Place a mount over a doorway or window, over mantels, or even over a bathroom mirror.

Tuck Them

If you love a layered or collected look, tucking antlers into your existing decor is a simple yet stylish way to incorporate them. Loose shed antlers are especially perfect for this—they don’t require any mounting or hardware, and their natural shape makes them easy to work with. I use my antlers just like I would greenery. I tuck them in, anywhere and everywhere.

Around Something

Antlers naturally have a curve to them. This makes them perfect to fit around something like a planter, crock, cloche, a bowl, or even a lamp! The antler points can go up or down-put them however you prefer! On my mantle I have one around some old nutcracker bowls I have used as risers. It adds just the right touch of nature and movement to an otherwise solid block of color.

In our bedroom, I have a skull cap mount wrapped completely around the lamp on the dresser beside our bed. I have used this same mount as a “collar” on the old dress form pictured below. It’s an unexpected detail, and those are always my favorite kind.

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Over Something

Antlers look great laid on top of a stack of old books, draped over the edge of a bowl, or placed casually on top of a few wooden boxes. This kind of styling feels effortless but adds so much character. It’s perfect if you want your space to feel lived-in and collected, without being too staged.

In Something

One of my favorite displays I came up with was at Christmas—I took a bunch of deer antler sheds and tucked them into a vintage champagne bucket. You can do the same thing in a bowl, platter, or basket. Twisting and layering them together makes the display feel organic and sculptural, like something that just came together naturally over time.

Use Antlers as Containers

Some antlers, like fallow deer or moose, are wide and almost bowl-shaped, which makes them perfect to use as containers. You can nestle objects inside, like feathers, moss, small seasonal items, or even nests—anything that could use a soft, curved base. Above, I used a whitetail antler as a little bowl to hold a nest, and it turned out so sweet. Think of antlers not just as decor, but as functional pieces for layering and display.

Buy Things Made With Antlers

You don’t have to go all-in on antlers and horns, but I personally love weird, unique finds—and they just happen to fit right in with my neutral, texture-rich style. Antlers blend beautifully into neutral color palettes because the texture and form do the heavy lifting.

In the photos above, I’ve shared a few of my favorite pieces made with horns, like a lamp, a little stool, and even some carved birds. They’re conversation starters and add that special collected feel I’m always chasing in my displays.

Decorate with Antlers

Whether you’re just starting a collection or have a box of sheds tucked away in the garage, antlers are one of the most versatile and beautiful elements you can decorate with. From wall-mounted displays to tucked-in vignettes, they bring in a natural texture that works in nearly any style. I hope I’ve inspired you! Don’t be afraid, antlers aren’t just for cabins—they’re for anyone who loves the charm of old things and the magic of a well-styled space.

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